Stress Test "Rules"

I'm having a stress test tomorrow (12th); treadmill-type at the VA hospital.  Last year I had a chemical stress test there.  Problem is there was no doc in the room or even nearby at all!  In the past when I've had stress tests done at civilian hospitals there was always a cardio-doc in the room--just in case.

Two years ago I had a treadmill test and collapsed halfway through the test.  I told the VA cardio doc this...he dismissed it (as well as the fact that the last doc gave me a chemical test just for that reason) and said "you'll be fine".  This same doc also told me that "women's chest pain is caused by stress..."

So...needless to say I'm kinda scared about this stress test tomorrow.

Is there a rule that says there must be a cardio-doc present???  

[kenkeith]

There should be a doctor present to evaluate vital signs, etc. during the stress phase. Your doctor will watch you very closely during the test. If you get extremely tired or show any other signs of coronary artery disease, the physician will stop the exam immediately.

As a further safeguard, a person trained in cardiac life support will be in the room at all times. It's not entirely risk-free, however: About one patient in every 2,500 has a heart attack during the test. But with the proper screening beforehand, there should be little chance of a problem.

An enlightened and competent doctor will not attribute a women's chest pain to stress!!

[JKJ]

That's what I thought should happen...last year when I had the chemical stress test at the VA hospital, about halfway through the test I begged them to stop because I had severe chest pains, shortness of breath, sweating horribly...and I did black out for a short time.  The nurse administering the test refused to stop only saying that it was almost over!!!!

The only ppl in the room were her and a technician and they were busy talking about the staff Christmas party the entire time.  

There are no competent doctors at the VA hospital.

[ireneo]

Oh my word! I'd like to say something colorful here but can't. Having a stress test is stressful enough without all their incompetence. I'm kind of a wimp normally but I think I'd refuse to take the test unless someone stayed with me in the room the whole time. They may think you're a grump but it's better than having a medical emergency alone.

Let us know how it goes.

[JKJ]

If I refuse, then I lose my referral to see a cardiologist at all.  
Sadly, this is how it is in VA hospitals.
I'm just hoping that there is a cardio-doc there tomorrow...I told this cardio-quack that I saw that I can't even walk up a flight of stairs without getting chest pains the majority of the time (which is why they did the chemical test last year); so we will see.
I'm just very, very nervous.

[JKJ]

Had my stress test and wow, what a joke.  Every other one I've had has been a thallium type test...not today.  Today all they did was have me walk on the treadmill until my heartrate reached 150.  150?  I have SVT.  Duh...those idiots.  It took hardly any time at all for my HR to get above 150.

There was a doc present this time.  

She told me that I was supposed to be told not to take my cardiac meds this morning...well, no one told me that and I did take them; she said she would do the test anyway as it shouldn't matter too much.  Really??

I was so dizzy coming off the treadmill I could barely stand up, doc said it was ok that the test was "normal".  Yet she sent me home with a holter moniter.  I've had so many holter moniter tests it's crazy.

Have I mentioned how much I hate the VA??

[grendslori]

After reading all of your post, I was curious, what did you expect the results of this test to be? A heart rate of 150 is a good rate. Ischemia would show up on the strips if that was the problem, your SVT did not kick in which was good. Being dizzy after a stress test is the norm for everyone. The doctor sent you home on a Holter to see if there are any other SVT or arrhythmia problems. It is absolutely correct that a doctor should be in the room during any stress test, because anything can happen.

[grendslori]

How long were you able to stay on the test?

[JKJ]

I didn't go into the test with any expectations.  But I've had several stress tests and this was the first one I've had where they didn't do the IV injection to specifically look at the heart muscle...that I guess was my expectation...a thorough test.

It only took about 7 minutes to get my HR to over 150.  They did the first 3 minutes, then the 2nd increase, then I barely made it into the 3rd increase when the doc stopped the test.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

wow , i justhad the stress/nuclear test and yes they injected me with the dye and did the pictures , i did not walk , i got the shot only because my bp was 174/106 and they would not let me walk , there was two cardio drs there and all kinds of great nurses. i felt really safe in there hands , if i was so unsure of the place i ws having it than NO i would not go there . i would find another dr or place the V.A. hospitals you are a number i know this been there  with family and friends, i want to be someplace where they care , my dr would never tell me to keep walking if i felt that way. you need take your life in your own hands because by the looks of it where your going they could careless if you fall over .

[catnhat1]

i only had one technician in there with me..... i told her i couldnt breath she said ok.... well hang in there.... dugh!  she turned her back on me, and finally i was to the point of not even having enough air to get words out when she finally turned around and seen me. The day i went for my results it took them 4 HRS to find them They had LOST my results after all of that. They finally found them(or so they said)....I know it sounds like im making this up lol  but its true......    Jackson TN